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catkin
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[SOLVED] Why emit alphas, not other nucleon groups?
(Advanced Physics; Adams and Allday; Spread 8.18, Question
Section 8.18, question 3)
Why do you think helium-4 nuclei (alpha particles) are often emitted from unstable heavy nuclei whereas bundles of neutrons or protons alone are not?
?
I have absolutely no idea but would love to know. I've often wondered and have been looking out for an answer with no success.
The ejection of an alpha particle creates a different nucleus that sits approximately in the same place on the #neutrons vs. #protons "stability" graph. Not quite -- because the stability line curves, hence the ocassional beta emission to re-align.
That explanation says it's energetically attractive to emit equal numbers of protons and neutrons but not why they come out in fours -- twos would do equally well or perhaps singly followed very soon afterwards by the "balancing" nucelon of the pair (because of leaving the nucleus in an excited, unstable state).
Homework Statement
(Advanced Physics; Adams and Allday; Spread 8.18, Question
Section 8.18, question 3)
Why do you think helium-4 nuclei (alpha particles) are often emitted from unstable heavy nuclei whereas bundles of neutrons or protons alone are not?
Homework Equations
?
The Attempt at a Solution
I have absolutely no idea but would love to know. I've often wondered and have been looking out for an answer with no success.
The ejection of an alpha particle creates a different nucleus that sits approximately in the same place on the #neutrons vs. #protons "stability" graph. Not quite -- because the stability line curves, hence the ocassional beta emission to re-align.
That explanation says it's energetically attractive to emit equal numbers of protons and neutrons but not why they come out in fours -- twos would do equally well or perhaps singly followed very soon afterwards by the "balancing" nucelon of the pair (because of leaving the nucleus in an excited, unstable state).